The Throne of Grace
Our second reading at Sunday Mass for a stretch of weeks is from the Letter to the Hebrews. The author is unknown. It is different in format from Paul’s various letters. It is really more of treatise or reflection on the mystery of Christ. Throughout this New Testament book Jesus is called the great high priest. In the Old Testament the priests were the ones who sacrificed lambs, pigeons, and other animals to God as atonement for sins. Jesus’ own sacrifice on the cross makes it unnecessary to keep offering these sacrifices. He is the once-and-for-all sacrifice for our atonement with God.
In every celebration of the Eucharist we re-present ourselves to this saving mystery of Christ. “We approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help” as it says in today’s reading. What is it like for you to approach the throne of grace?
Fr. Tom Krenik